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The Role Of Horizontal Gene Transfer In Antibiotic Resistance Amidst Prevalent Community And Healthcare-Associated Mrsa Rates, Gabrielle Nascimento

Honors College Theses

In recent decades, cases of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) have been on the rise. The ability of antibiotic resistance to transfer between microorganisms greatly expands its threat to the effective treatment and containment of bacterial infections. The mecA gene is found on a mobile cassette within the Staphylococcal cell and encodes for PBP2a, an alternate version of penicillin-binding protein (PBP) with less binding affinity for β-lactam antibiotics, increasing resistance to the effects of antibiotics. The goal of this research is to investigate the horizontal transfer of the mecA gene between various Staphylococcus species as well as to …

The Effects Of A River Closure On A Snook (Centropomus Spp.) Nursery Community In The Rio Grande River, Texas, Ethan Getz, Perry Trial, Catherine Eckert, Joel Anderson

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Snook (Centropomus spp.) support important fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and populations are increasing in Texas. However, a primary snook nursery, the Rio Grande River, remains one of the most imperiled rivers in North America. In 2001—2002, low flows led to the formation of a sandbar and the complete blockage of the Rio Grande, eliminating exchange with coastal waters. Here, data collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department were used to determine how the Rio Grande closure affected juvenile and subadult snook and the estuarine community. Seine and trawl samples were collected prior to (1992—1997) and during …

Rivers To The Deep Sea – Thoughts On My Career And Profession, Steve W. Ross

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Abstract: In this essay I review my 45+ year career and some of the significant changes I have observed. This journey involved research in rivers and streams, estuaries, coastal systems (including the continental shelf), and the deep sea to a depth of about 4,000 m. After completing undergraduate (BS, Duke University) and graduate (MA, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and PhD, NC State University) degrees in zoology, I found jobs as a Fishery Biologist (NC Division of Marine Fisheries), a program Research Coordinator (NC National Estuarine Research Reserve), and a Research Professor (University of NC – Wilmington). Between …

Physics-Constrained Generative Artificial Intelligence For Rapid Takeoff Trajectory Design, Samuel Sisk, Xiaosong Du

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The urban air mobility (UAM) industry is rapidly growing to alleviate regional transportation congestion. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft plays a critical role in this growth due to their efficiency and reduced operating cost. However, excessive energy demands by the takeoff phase impact the practicality of the aircraft. Conventional multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) identifies a minimum energy trajectory but can be computationally intensive due to iteratively evaluating high-fidelity simulation models. In addition, complex constraints in practical MDAO pose crucial challenges to the already demanding process. Surrogate models enable efficient design optimization, but complex constraints could prohibit surrogate-based …

Versatile Injector Platform: A Modular Design For Supersonic Flow Research, Connor Bell, Davide Viganò

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Fuel–air mixing remains a critical challenge in the development of high-speed air-breathing propulsion due to the extremely short residence times in supersonic combustors. Experimental studies are essential to investigate the underlying mixing mechanisms, but they require injection systems that can deliver repeatable and controlled flow conditions. In this work, we present the design of a modular strut-type injection platform developed for the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. In its initial configuration, the platform features a planar trailing-edge slit to generate a two-dimensional jet and includes interchangeable trailing-edge modules to support a wide range of geometries and flow-control strategies. Designed with …

Impact Of Web-Based Activity Breaks On Child Physical Activity And Time Off-Task: A Pilot Study, Holly R. Huddleston, Vaughn W. Barry, Dana K. Fuller, Sarah J. Adams, Jennifer L. Caputo

Funded Scholarship

Objective: Classroom activity breaks (ABs) have physical and cognitive benefits, although effectiveness of Web-based ABs remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to assess impacts of three-minute Web-based AB on physical activity (PA) and time off-task in second graders (N = 38).

Methods: This quasi-experimental design was implemented in a primary school setting. The SenseWear Armband assessed PA and a modified Behavioral Observation System in Schools assessed time off-task. Children participated twice in four conditions: control (CON), non-active breaks (NAB), one active break (1AB), and two active breaks (2ABs). Breaks entailed physically active or meditation GoNoodle videos.

Results: Number …

Psy 41 Syllabus, Jude Eugene

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for PSY 41 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and a link to an OER textbook.

January 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

This is the January 2025 issue of Rural Rocks from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.

An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global food production systems are under pressure due to population increase, limited farmland, biotic and abiotic constrains, and ongoing climate change. Sustainable intensification is needed to increase agricultural productivity with minimal adverse environmental and social impacts. Vegetable-integrated push pull (VIPP) technology coupled with black soldier fly (BSF) frass offer such opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, farmers’ vegetable preferences and willingness to adopt these innovations remain unknown and are variable across various geographic scales. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-person interviews with smallholder farmers were conducted to assess vegetable production constraints and select vegetables to be integrated into VIPP coupled with …

Immunohistochemical Assessment Of Ki-67 In Oral Lichen Planus, Ibrahem Gamal, Mahmoud Fathy El-Sherbeny, Sherif Yousef El Nagdy, Nadia Abbas Ibrahim El-Sissy

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to assess cell proliferation by analyzing the expression of Ki-67 in 30 cases of oral lichen planus (OLP). Material and methods: 30 archival paraffin blocks of OLP were examined for Ki-67 expression using immunohistochemical staining. Normal oral mucosa served as a control. After carefully examining the tissue samples, the number of positive cells was counted in order to semi-quantitatively characterize the expression pattern. Scores ranging from 1 to 3 were assigned to nuclear immunostaining for Ki-67 proliferation. SPSS-13 program was used for the statistical analysis, and p

Immunohistochemical Evaluation Of Cd10 In Ameloblastoma And Dentigerous Cyst, Mennatalla M. Abougamila, Mona M. A. Ibrahim, Lawahez El. M. Ismail

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Expression of CD10 in Ameloblastoma and Dentigerous cyst via immunohistochemistry. Material and methods: The current work was carried out on thirty-one tissues embedded in paraffin and treated with formalin of Ameloblastoma and fourteen cases of Dentigerous cyst (DC) were taken from the Faculty of Dentistry's Oral Pathology Department's archives, Mansoura University. Immunohistochemical reagents: Cluster of differentiation (CD10) (Autostainer Link 48) Clone 56C6 Ready-to-use monoclonal mouse antibody. The area percentage of stained cells from five randomly selected fields was examined under ×400 magnification in order to determine the tissue immunoreactivity for CD10. Results: In the present study, we revealed a …

Evaluation Of Clinical Effects Of Prp As An Adjunctive To Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy In Treatment Of Periodontitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, El Sabbahy A. Youssef, Islam Kandil, Mona S. Abdelhafez, Samah Elmeadawy

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: This research evaluates the efficacy of mechanical debridement (MD) alone versus MD with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications in early periodontitis treatment, focusing on clinical and microbiological outcomes after six weeks.

Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with stage II grade B periodontitis, each exhibiting a pocket depth of up to 5 mm, were classified into two groups of ten for this study. Group I received MD and subgingival PRP treatment (test), while Group II received only MD (control). Clinical indicators, including sulcular bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were assessed at …

Clinical Evaluation Of Retention And Biting Force In Complete Mandibular Overdentures Retained By Two Implants Using A Solitary Ball And Socket Versus Solitary Bar And Clip Attachments: A Crossover Study, Mohamed Ali Manaa, Khaled Mohamed Zahran, Hesham El-Sharkawy, Ashraf Anwar Gebreel

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: a clinical evaluation of retention and biting force in complete mandibular overdentures retained by two implants using a solitary ball and socket versus solitary bar and clip attachments. Materials and methods: Fourteen completely edentulous male patients aged 49 to 65 were selected and received a maxillary complete denture and two mandibular complete dentures. Each patient received bilateral dental implants placed in the canine areas using a stereolithographic guide. They were grouped according to the period of wearing the prosthesis into: the conventional complete denture group (CD Group), using two duplicated mandibular dentures over three months; ball and socket attachment …

Socket Preservation Using Autogenous Particulate Dentin In Combination With Liquid Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Bone Allografts After Surgical Extraction Of Impacted Lower Third Molar, Ali Mahmoud Mohamed Ali Elshafei, Wael Mohamed Ahmed Said Ahmed, Ziad Amr Elmissiry

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives To evaluate and compare the efficacy of sticky tooth graft versus bone allografts used for socket preservation after the surgical extraction of horizontally impacted lower third molars. Materials and Methods Thirty patients with horizontally impacted lower third molars were randomly and equally divided into two groups; group I: 15 patients received dentin granules mixed with Liquid PRF (sticky tooth) in the socket after extraction, group II: 15 patients received bone allograft after extraction. Postoperative pain, edema and bone resorption were assessed. Bone resorption was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) over a three-month period. Results There were statistically significant …

Comparing The Swallowing Dynamics Of Mandibular Implant Overdentures Retained With Different Attachment Systems: A Crossover Study, Nermeen Elsayed Mohamed Abdallah, Noha Hosny Elshaheed, Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim Salem

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective This study's objective was to compare the swallowing dynamics for mandibular implant-retained overdentures with different attachment systems Materials and methods for this crossover study, 15 healthy patients were chosen from the outpatient clinic, Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry. The patients already had 2 implants in the canine regions. New mandibular implant-retained overdentures with three different attachment systems (locator, ball, and bar) were constructed. Swallowing evaluation was done after 3 months of each implant overdenture insertion. Swallowing dynamics were evaluated by using the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). ANOVA …

Effect Of Naringenin Cisplatin Combination On Apoptosis Of Human Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line, Nahed Atef, Nancy Hussein, Mohamed Grawesh, Mohamed Anees

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Aim and Objectives: This research was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination treatment comprising the natural compound Naringenin (NAR) and the chemotherapeutic agent Cisplatin (CP) regarding the reduction of cell viability and the induction of apoptosis in human TSCC (HNO-97) and normal oral epithelial cell (NOEC) lines. Material and Methods: The cytotoxicity and IC50 of NAR, CP, and their combinations were evaluated using the MTT assay. The expression levels of the apoptotic marker genes p53 and caspase-3 were assessed using RT-PCR. Western blot analysis was carried out to assess the protein expression levels of the apoptotic markers Bax …

Evaluation Of Two- Implant Assisted Mandibular Overdentures Of Cobalt Chromium Vs. Peek Combined Denture Bases Regarding Occlusion And Patient Satisfaction: A Within-Subject Study, Khaled M. Diaa, Noha H. El-Shaheed, May A. Hagag, Fatma A. El-Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives The purpose of this within-patient study was to compare two implant-assisted overdentures (IAOs) reinforced either with polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) or cobaltchromium (CO-CR) regarding the percentage of occlusal contact using a digital occlusion analysis system (Occlusense) and to assess patient satisfaction and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Subjects and methods Ten complete edentulous subjects were eligible. All patients were delivered two mandibular implant-assisted overdentures with two reinforcement materials, CO-CR (group I) and PEEK (group II).The mandibular overdentures were retained to the underlying implant fixtures by ball and socket attachments. Patients were evaluated three months after each overdenture use. For …

Swallowing Dynamics Of Two Implants Versus Single Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: Randomized Clinical Trial, Mohamed Taha, Christine Raouf Ibrahim, Abdallah Mohammed Ibrahim

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective This study evaluated the swallowing dynamics of two-implant (2-IOD) versus singleimplant (1-IOD) mandibular overdentures using the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). Methods Ten completely edentulous patients were selected from the Out-Patient Clinic of the Prosthodontics Department at the Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. All patients initially received conventional complete dentures and were considered Group I, then randomly distributed into two equal groups; Group II (2-IOD) received a twoimplant overdenture with locator attachments, while Group III (1-IOD) received a single implant overdenture with locator attachment. Swallowing dynamics were assessed using the …

Assessment Of Sox2 Expression As A Tumor Stem Cell Marker In Ameloblastoma And Dentigerous Cyst, Haneen Mahmoud Zeen El-Abdeen, Noha Ahmed Mansour, Sherif Yousef Elnagdy, Mohamed Abdel-Monem Tawfik

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: The pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions remains unclear; however, a probable explanation could mean the presence of tumor stem cells (TSCs). The preservation of stem cells during early dental development is governed by many transcription factors, including sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX-2). Numerous studies observed the increased expression of SOX2 in various benign and malignant tumors as its impact on tumorigenesis varies according to tumor type. This research aims to determine the predictive importance of the SOX2 stem cell marker by evaluating its immunoexpression in ameloblastoma (Ab) and dentigerous cyst (DC). Materials and Methods: Twenty-Four samples were part of …

The Prevalence Of Oral Mucosal Thermal And Chemical Burns Following Endodontic Treatments: A Multicenter Study, Mohamed Abd El Rahman El Shreif, Ahmed Adel Abdel-Azim, Noha Nasr El-Zalabany

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

This multicenter retrospective study investigated the occurrence of oral mucosal thermal and chemical burns during endodontic operations conducted by dental students at Menoufia University (MU), Horus University in Egypt (HUE), and the Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI) over one year. A total of 4,791 clinical records were evaluated. MU identified 42 oral reactive lesions among 1,221 patients (3.4%), including 12 chemical and 30 thermal burns. HUE identified 63 lesions among 1,750 patients (3.6%), comprising 18 chemical and 45 thermal burns. MTI recorded 71 lesions among 1,820 patients (3.9%), including 21 cases of chemical and 50 cases of thermal …

Evaluation Of Retention And Wear Of Nylon Versus Polyether Ketone Ketone (Pekk) Inserts For Locator Attachments Retaining Mandibular Implant Overdenture: A Crossover Study, Mohamed Elghandour, Fatma Fathe Mahanna, Gilan Altonbary

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: assessment and comparison between the retention and surface wear of nylon and polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) inserts of locator attachments retaining mandibular implant overdenture. Materials and methods: For this research, six patients, completely edentulous,were selected; each participant had received mandibular implants in the canine regions on each side, followed by locator attachments. Using a crossover design, patients were randomly assigned to receive different mandibular overdentures as follows. 1) Implantretained overdenture with nylon inserts; 2) Implant-retained overdenture with PEKK inserts. Retention measurements were conducted at three-time intervals: T0 (after pickup), T3 (3 months post-insertion of overdenture)and T6 (6 months post-insertion …

Digital Versus Functional Pick-Up Techniques For Two-Implant Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Crossover Study, Aya E. Elnagar, Khaled M. Zahran, Heba Abo-Elfetouh Elsheikh, Fatma Ahmad El Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate two pick-up techniques—digital and functional—for two-implant retained mandibular overdentures with respect to occlusal force distribution using the digital occlusal analysis system (Occlusense®). Patients and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous, healthy patients were selected from the Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. Conventional complete dentures were first constructed, followed by placement of two implants in the mandibular canine regions using a guided surgical approach and a delayed loading protocol. For each patient, two sets of digitally fabricated mandibular overdentures were constructed. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups: Group I received digital complete overdentures with digitally created …

Fracture Resistance Of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns After Endodontically Access Preparation On Premolars Teeth, Abeer Tambah, Nesma Mohamed Magdy El-Gohary, Walid Abd El-Ghafar Al-Zordk

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with monolithic zirconia crowns following standardized endodontic access cavity preparation and restoration with either composite or ceramic inlays. Materials and Methods Twenty extracted human premolars were selected and endodontically treated after creating standardized ovoid access cavities through the zirconia crowns using a highspeed diamond bur under water cooling. Specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 per group): Group 1 restored with bulk-fill composite resin and Group 2 restored with CAD/CAM-fabricated ceramic inlays. Following thermocycling (10,000 cycles, 5–55 °C) and cyclic mechanical loading (240,000 cycles, 50 …

The Direct And Indirect Effects Of Mobile Phone Ownership On Maize Yields In Tanzania, Cool Dady Mangole, Kelvin Mulungu, Christian Kamala Kaghoma, Menale Kassie

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The study uses the Living Standards Measurement Study-Integrated Surveys on Agriculture to evaluate mobile phone ownership's direct and indirect effect on yields in Tanzania. The results indicate that transitioning from not owning to owning a mobile phone improves maize yields by about 16%. Mobile phones indirectly affect maize yield by facilitating farmers' access to extension services - regardless of the type of provider - but only account for about 2% of the total effects. Considering both direct and indirect effects, this study suggests that extension services partially moderate this causal relationship. Further, the impact of mobile phones is stronger among …

Advancing Multivariate Time Series Similarity Assessment: An Integrated Computational Approach, Franck B.N. Tonle, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Milliam M.Z. Ndadji, Maurice Tchoupe Tchendji, Armand Nzeukou, Kennedy Senagi, Saliou Niassy

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Data mining, particularly multivariate time series data analysis, is crucial in extracting insights from complex systems and supporting informed decision-making across diverse domains. However, assessing the similarity of multivariate time series data presents several challenges, including dealing with large datasets, addressing temporal misalignments, and necessitating efficient and comprehensive analytical frameworks. A novel integrated computational approach, Multivariate Time series Alignment and Similarity Assessment (MTASA) is proposed to address these challenges. MTASA is built upon a hybrid methodology designed to optimise time series alignment, complemented by a multiprocessing engine that enhances the utilisation of computational resources. This integrated approach comprises four key …

Performance Of The Dssat Manihot-Cassava Model For Cassava Cultivation In The Recôncavo Baiano, Diego M. De Melo, Paola De F. Bongiovani, Fabio L.S. Costa, Patricia Moreno-Cadena, Alexandre B. Heinemann, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, Mauricio A. Coelho Filho

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The aim of the present study was to calibrate the DSSAT MANIHOT-Cassava model with information from cassava varieties grown in the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state, Brazil. The database used to calibrate the model was obtained in the dry sub-humid tropical climate in Cruz das Almas city, from 2019 to 2020. The model was calibrated with experimental data obtained under irrigated and rainfed conditions for the BRS Novo Horizonte and Eucalipto varieties. The calibration was carried out by adjusting parameters related to the characteristics of each variety. Model performance was evaluated with statistical indices that indicate the precision and accuracy …

Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Food price volatility continues to be a significant concern in Kenya's economic development, posing challenges to the country's economic stability. Methodology: This study examines the application of machine learning methods, employing a hybrid approach that combines XGBoost and gradient boosting, to predict food prices in Kenya. The food prices data from the World Food Programme, covering the period from January 2006 to September 2024, as well as currency exchange rates data from the Central Bank of Kenya in US dollars (USD) and inflation rates data, were collated and preprocessed to be ready for analytics and machine learning. The augmented …

Artificial Intelligence In Science And Society: The Vision Of Usern, Tommaso Dorigo, Gary D. Brown, Carlo Casonato, Artemi Cerda, Joseph Ciarrochi, Mauro Da Lio, Nicole D'Souza, Nicolas R. Gauger, Steven C. Hayes, Stefan G. Hofmann, Robert Johansson, Marcus Liwicki, Fabien Lotte, Juan J. Nieto, Giulia Olivato, Peter Parnes, George Perry, Alice Plebe, Idupulapati M. Rao, Nima Rezaei, Fredrik Sandin, Andrey Ustyuzhanin, Giorgio Vallortigara, Pietro Vischia, Niloufar Yazdanpanah

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The recent rise in relevance and diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems and the increasing number and power of applications of AI methods invites a profound reflection on the impact of these innovative systems on scientific research and society at large. The Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), an organization that promotes initiatives to support interdisciplinary science and education across borders and actively works to improve science policy, collects here the vision of its Advisory Board members, together with a selection of AI experts, to summarize how we see developments in this exciting technology impacting science and society in …

Biology-Informed Inverse Problems For Insect Pests Detection Using Pheromone Sensors, Thibault Malou, Nicolas Parisey, Katarzyna Adamczyk-Chauvat, Elisabeta Vergu, Béatrice Laroche, Paul André Calatayud, Philippe Lucas, Simon Labarthe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Most insects have the ability to modify the odor landscape in order to communicate with their conspecies during key phases of their life cycle such as reproduction. They release pheromones in their nearby environment, volatile compounds that are detected by insects of the same species with exceptional specificity and sensitivity. Efficient pheromone detection is then an interesting lever for insect pest management in a precision agroecological culture context. A precise and early detection of pests using pheromone sensors offers a strategy for pest management before infestation. In this paper, we develop a biology-informed inverse problem framework that leverages temporal signals …

Swatting Flies: Biting Insects As Non-Invasive Samplers For Mammalian Population Genomics, Anubhab Khan, Ryan Carter, Chengetai D. Mpamhanga, Daniel Masiga, Manun Channumsin, Marc Ciosi, Oliva Manangwa, Furaha Mramba, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Harriet Auty, Barbara K. Mable

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Advances in next-generation sequencing have allowed the use of DNA obtained from unusual sources for wildlife studies. However, these samples have been used predominantly to sequence mitochondrial DNA for species identification while population genetics analyses have been rare. Since next-generation sequencing allows indiscriminate detection of all DNA fragments in a sample, technically it should be possible to sequence whole genomes of animals from environmental samples. Here we used a blood-feeding insect, tsetse fly, to target whole genome sequences of wild animals. Using pools of flies, we compared the ability to recover genomic data from hosts using the short-read sequencing (Illumina) …